Having worked in the legal field for over 30 years, my work often took me to the courtroom, where I found myself intrigued by the role of the Judge, who was tasked with ensuring that both sides in a case received a fair hearing. I saw first hand how socio economic factors often influenced legal outcomes. When presented with an opportunity to be appointed a Municipal Court Judge, I felt with my legal background that I could learn how to be a Judge, because of my knowledge of the law and passion for fairness.

View From The Bench- Justice of the Peace Mary Bardin talks about her role serving the public

Choosing to become a Judge has been a journey rooted in personal experiences and a passion for fairness. I began working in law offices in 1976. Through the years, I had the opportunity to learn legal processes, court procedures, how to read and interpret state statutes, and how to explain those processes in both civil and criminal cases. I also had to be able to communicate effectively with clients, court personnel, and oftentimes Judges.

Mary A. Bardin has worked in the legal field, including at law offices.

View From The Bench- Justice of the Peace Mary Bardin talks about ...

When presented with an opportunity to be appointed a Municipal Court Judge, I felt with my legal background that I could learn how to be a Judge, because of my knowledge of the law and passion for fairness. Several years later I sought the appointment as Justice of the Peace in Precinct 1 to fill a vacancy in that office and was subsequently elected for 3 terms so far. This has allowed me to serve my community and ensure fairness and justice for all parties who have a case before me.

Mary Bardin (R)

Justice of the Peace (Kaufman)

Entered Office: 2013 Term Ends: 12-31-2030 District: 1

Mary Bardin - Texas State Directory Online

Mary currently serves as Justice of the Peace for Kaufman Precinct 1. She entered office in 2013 after seeking appointment to fill a vacancy and has since been elected to three terms.

Counties: Kaufman - Texas State Directory Online

2026 Texas General Election

2.1 Judicial Candidate Resource Guide

Worked in law offices since 1976, gaining experience with legal processes, court procedures, state statutes, and civil and criminal cases.

As a justice court judge, she oversees cases involving minor criminal offenses and low-value civil suits, administers oaths to public officials, handles requests for orders of protection against harassment, and performs marriage ceremonies.

- As a justice court judge, she oversees cases involving minor criminal offenses and low-value civil suits, administers oaths to public officials, handles requests for orders of protection against harassment, and performs marriage ceremonies.

Legal Experience

Neither the Judge nor Court Clerks can give legal advice. We can explain a legal process and provide self-help packets but cannot fill out court paperwork for others. My court clerks are all dedicated to helping the public in any way that they can. However, we are often contacted about matters that have no connection to the Court that they cannot help them with but will try to refer them to the proper department or person that may be able to help them.

In Justice Court, as opposed to other Courts, the Judge does have the ability to ask their own questions of both Plaintiff and Defendant to get a clearer picture of the facts of the case and help develop the case.

Said court staff can explain legal processes and provide self-help packets, but cannot give legal advice or complete court paperwork for others.

Said justice court judges can question plaintiffs and defendants to clarify case facts and develop the case.

- Said court staff can explain legal processes and provide self-help packets, but cannot give legal advice or complete court paperwork for others.
- Said justice court judges can question plaintiffs and defendants to clarify case facts and develop the case.

Judicial Administration

I believe that it is not just one quality but a culmination of several qualities, including judicial temperament, patience, a good disposition, compassion, and common sense. Those qualities should be demonstrated consistently.

Said Precinct 1 Justice Court is known for "handing out a lot of grace" and aims to assist people courteously.

I believe that we have a reputation for handing out a lot of grace at Justice Court, Pct. 1. My Court Clerks have all been with me for several years and are committed to assisting persons who have business with the Court as courteously as possible. Because the Justice Court is more accessible to the public than other Courts, there is often a misconception that you can just come and talk to the Judge, and they can answer your legal questions or tell you what you can do; however, that is not the case.

Believes judges should consistently demonstrate judicial temperament, patience, compassion, common sense, and a good disposition.

- Believes judges should consistently demonstrate judicial temperament, patience, compassion, common sense, and a good disposition.

Judicial Philosophy

As of July 22, 2026, Mary A. Bardin did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Mary A. Bardin

- Worked in law offices since 1976, gaining experience with legal processes, court procedures, state statutes, and civil and criminal cases.

As of July 22, 2026, Mary A. Bardin’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mary is a Justice of the Peace. She works at the Kaufman County Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct 1, where she has served three terms. She previously worked in local law offices.

Mary A. Bardin (Kaufman County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 ...

Mary A. Bardin is currently the Justice of the Peace for Kaufman County, Justice Precinct 1. She was appointed to fill a vacancy and has since been elected to three terms.

Plans to address case backlog and community engagement in the justice system.

Buket Urgen

Isaac Brickman

- Justices of the Peace oversee Justice Courts, trial courts for civil cases up to $20,000, and misdemeanor cases punishable only by fine. They also perform marriages, issue warrants, conduct preliminary hearings, and serve as notaries.
- Texas has 835 Justice Courts, each presided over by a single judge. Every county has between one and eight precincts based on the county's population, each with its own Justice Court.
- Justices of the Peace are elected through partisan, precinct-wide election to four-year terms. 
- Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, have been a Texas resident for at least 12 consecutive months, a district resident for at least six consecutive months, and registered to vote in that precinct.
- The annual salary for Justices of the Peace ranges from $19,207 to $151,805 and is by the county's Commissioners Court.


Presides over civil cases and fine-only misdemeanor cases.